Sunset on Trax: The Marine Corps Says Goodbye to the Assault Amphibious Vehicle

The assault amphibious vehicle, in service with the U.S. Marine Corps since 1972, made its final operational employment during Exercise Sea Breeze 26 at Babadag Training Area, Romania. The exercise, co-sponsored by U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa and U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa, develops interoperability of maritime and ground forces in the Black Sea Region.

In the clip, a Marine with 22 years of experience on the AAV reflects on the vehicle’s history, its role in transferring cargo from ship to shore, and its adaptation to modern warfare, including drone operations. He describes the vehicle as a “workhorse” and notes that its retirement marks a culminating event in his career, as the platform is passed to partner nations.

Sources: US Marine Corps (YouTube)